A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by the lovely Meagan Visser to do a guest post on her blog. And because Meagan is a pns reader and is also doing some pretty groovy things with her biz, I quickly agreed. The topic I was asked to write about was the importance of buying handmade. And I am really, dare I say information technology, happy with what I wrote.

And so I idea I would share it here as well, for those that didn't grab information technology on Megan's blog…

Recently, I was watching an episode of American Pickers and something nearly it struck me. Mike and Frank (the owners of a small antiquarian shop) are in the business of buying low and selling loftier. They buy antique oddities, furniture, machine parts, and more from people across the country then resell them at a markup in their shop back in Iowa. And actually, their tagline is "Wdue east'll purchase annihilation we remember tin can make a buck on."

And so anyway, what struck me nearly the episode was that they went to a homo's house who was big into scuba. He had tons of scuba gear scattered throughout his home. Some antiques, mixed with some actually usable equipment. And the 3 of them got to talking about how scuba diving was something that he use to really enjoy doing with his son, before his son was in a diving accident and became paralyzed. Information technology was a pretty touching story. And all the coin that thet dad made that day, he mentioned, would be going towards his son'southward medical bills, and for help for his son in the future. So afterwards they heard this story, Frank and Mike immediately bought an antique scuba helmet from the man for $five,000, which the audition finds out later on was the actually retail worth of the helmet.

Now remember, Frank and Mike are in the business of "making a buck", however they purchased this helmet anyway, knowing there was trivial (if any) room for profit. So why did they do it? Well, they didn't actually say. Peradventure it was a fault on their part? Simply I'd similar to think that they merely wanted to assistance out some other homo, by showing support for him and his son in some way. It didn't actually cost them anything to do information technology. They didn't brand any money. Simply they'll most likely be able to resell the helmet for what they purchased it for. So, all around it was nonetheless a win-win scenario.

That'southward what buying handmade is like. Information technology's a win-win!

When you buy something that is handmade past an private, whether you realize it or not, you are showing your support for another human being. Y'all are proverb, I'd rather buy this original oil painting from you and look for you to ship it to me than head down to Rooms to Get and choice upwardly a piece today that is twice as large and half the cost.

Why? Because of the quality. Because of the time, idea, and effort that went into your original piece of work of fine art. The claret, sweat, and tears (figuratively speaking) that you went through to ultimately call this work "finished". And most importantly, because I would rather give the money to y'all and help back up a pocket-size business similar my own, than to a corporation with mass-produced products that will never even know my proper name.

This kind of support, from one individual to another, is exactly what we need.

Particularly during these (still) tough economic times. We demand to support each other. Elevator each other upward. And assist pocket-size businesses who are trying to better the community you and your children volition live in for years to come up.

At present this is actually but a ane of many more than reasons why it is of import to buy handmade. But it's a practiced commencement.

Then, tell me: why do you buy handmade?

Post your thoughts in the comments.

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image above antique skeleton key drove (via State Living)